One dies, four hurt in a 3-vehicle crash

One person was killed and four were injured, one of them seriously, when a tractor-trailer rig slammed into a car on Route 30 in Melrose last night, sending the car into a pickup truck.

Police said the trucker was unable to stop when the car turned from Wentz Road into his path. The impact pushed the Ford Granada, which was struck broadside, into the pickup, which was merging onto Route 30 from Bachman Valley Road.

The impact pinned both vehicles against a guard rail.

David L. Rohrer, 40, of Hanover, Pa., the driver of the tractor-trailer, was headed south on a steep incline when the crash occurred, police said. He refused treatment on the scene, authorities said.

Henry Clay Wheeler Jr., 34, driver of the Ford, was taken by ambulance to Hanover General Hospital, where he died of multiple injuries at 7:55 p.m.

Wayne E. Hively, 48, of Westminster, the driver of the pickup, was taken to Carroll County General Hospital with his wife, Kathryn, 37, and children Casey, 3, and Katelynn, 4 months. Ambulance personnel said they were not seriously injured.

The 7 p.m. crash blocked the highway, and state police said they expected to be on the scene for several hours before the vehicles could be removed.

Tfc. Tim Riggleman said the trucker's rig, which was carrying 46,000 pounds of green beans, could not be moved until inspectors could check the scene.

"Any time a commercial vehicle is involved in a personal injury, we have to follow this procedure," the trooper said.

Nearly 100 people crowded near the scene. Many had heard the accident report on scanners.

"This is a really bad intersection, and there have been quite a few accidents," said bystander Clarence Harry of Melrose. "I am amazed they haven't put up a [traffic] light."

The Hampstead, Lineboro and Manchester volunteer fire companies responded to the call.